About the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship
What is the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship?
The Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship is an academic program created for a select group of undergraduate students. The program is designed to educate students in the field of sustainability, provide opportunities to interact with sustainability executives, and engage in a sustainability externship. The program is cohort driven, with Fellows committing to a defined two-year curriculum.
Is This a Scholarship?
No, this is not a scholarship. The Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship is an academic honor awarded upon graduation to students who complete the program. The program consists of four courses: three one-unit courses, and one four-unit practicum course, all of which are completed during the junior and senior year. Participation in cohort building events is also required, including two field trips during the two-year experience.
Whom do I contact if I am interested in more information?
Please contact Chris Bresnahan (cbresnah@marshall.usc.edu)or Marelle Berry (marelleb@marshall.usc.edu) for more information about the program.
Eligibility and Application Process
Who is Eligible to Apply for the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship?
Students from all majors and academic departments are eligible to apply. Applicants must have a minimum overall GPA of a 3.2 to be considered.
Applications will open soon for our inaugural cohort. The program will begin in Fall of 2024. The program requires two years of courses designed for the junior and senior year, thus applicants must be second-semester sophomores and/or students expected to graduate in Spring or Fall of 2026.
Is There an Application Deadline?
The application deadline for all students is March 1st, 2024, by 11:59PM PST.
What is Required to Apply?
Applicants must submit an online application, including a sustainability focused resume and four short-answer essays responding to select questions. A letter of recommendation (preferably from a USC faculty member who is familiar with your sustainability efforts) is also required.
Is There an Interview?
Yes. Students who are good fits for the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship will be contacted for an individual interview which will take place in March. There is a final round group interview in late March. The final selection of Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellows will be determined at the conclusion of these interview rounds. The inaugural cohort of Fellows will be announced in April.
Can I participate in the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship if I Plan to Study Abroad?
There are four required courses needed to receive the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship designation at graduation. Students admitted to the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship will be permitted to study abroad only during the second semester of the program. Fellows who spend the second semester of the program abroad will make up for the missed course by taking the second and fourth semester courses simultaneously during the fourth semester.
Can Transfer Students Apply for the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship?
Yes, as long as they graduate in four or five semesters after they are accepted to the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship.
Can Graduate Students Apply for the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship?
No, there are no graduate students admitted at this time. Only currently enrolled undergraduate students may apply for the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship.
Graduating as a Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellow
If I am Selected for the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship, Does that Mean I am Automatically a Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellow?
In addition to being admitted to the program, you must complete all of the program requirements in order to be designated a Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellow upon graduation. Graduating Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellows will have completed each of the four courses, the externship, and participated in required program experiences outside of the classroom.
How is the Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellowship Recognized Upon Graduation?
Graduating Hayes Barnard Sustainability Fellows who meet all of the program requirements will receive an honors notation on their transcripts, and participate in a special fellowship graduation event.